Truth Thursday: Taking on the World of Blogging

Photos by: Tess Ware & Lay Marie 

Out details below 

Striped chambray Shirt: Thread & Supply {Dry Goods} | White Denim: Nordstrom | Phlox Collar Necklace: BaubleBar | Sunnies: Urban Outfitters | Purse: Similar here | Shoes: Old {similar} 

The first time I realized what my passion was, my "nitch," what truly intrigued me, was scrolling through the feeds of Cara Loren {the original Instagram fashion goddess}, Robyn Stewart, Jade Scott {A Spoonful of Style}, Alyson Haley {Sequence and Things}, and Emily Gemma {The Sweetest Thing}....just to name a few! 

I remember thinking this is it. I understand this. These women are so creative, fashionable, funny, and SO confident {not to mention ridiculously stunning}. I really wanted to give the whole blogging thing a shot......

Now rewind back four years...I remember sitting at a table with my girlfriends talking about our goals, what our passions were, and what drove us to want to achieve all of these things. Without hesitation I remember saying...."one day I want to have my own fashion blog. Not a place where I just talk about my purchases, certainly not to brag about what I own, or to encourage others to buy what I wear necessarily...but to truly create an outlet where I could talk about day to day life, my taste in clothes, honest to god struggles, small victories, and to connect with other great blogger babes." #sorryfortherunonsentences #buttruth

So why didn't I take my goal, my dream, my passion and make it into a blog that very next day? {2 years for that matter}. Four words... fear, intimidation, insecurities, and unenlightenment.  I was literally at a loss and couldn't even begin to imagine how others began such a confusing process. 

My advice? Blogging' ain't easy, but living out your passion is! Stay true to yourself and the other pieces will follow. Live a little more, connect with others, and if it doesn't bring fulfillment or joy in the least...get up, shrug it off, and move on! 

As always thanks for showing your love and support!

XOXO | Mandy Nicole

70's Vibes

Photos by: Tess Ware

Outfit details below

White Blouse: love this here | Flare denim: Old, similar here, here | Wool Hat: Maurices | Fringe Bag: Similar here and here {love} | Sunnies: Urban Outfitters | Cognac Wedges: JustFab | Earrings: BaubleBar  {on sale} Ring: Stella & Dot 

I love incorporating different eras into my wardrobe. My favorite? Defiantly the 70's with all its flare, denim EVERYTHING, bell sleeves, and fringe. You really can't go wrong style these fun pieces. Not to mention all in which are in style this season. 

The bonus to denim with a flare is it literally looks fantastic on any body shape. It's perfect for tall and lean, voluptuous and curvy, and or short and petite. 

Some styling advice when picking the perfect flare. For you gals who're long and lean stick with a longer inseam. This allows you to pair your denim with a cute wedge like these here and also gives you #legsfordays. 

For you voluptuous and curvy gals {flaunt it girl}! Stick to a shorter inseam to accentuate your curves and to draw attention to your best features. 

For you short and petite women or short and built {this is for my bestie who rocks it in the gym}! Stick to a shorter/regular inseam and a smaller flare. One that exposes your shoe of choice. This prevents a "frumpy" look and yet looks absolutely flattering! 

Happy Tuesday...forecast in Iowa is calling for more rain, send help!

XOXO | Mandy Nicole 

Fitness Fri-YAYs

Grey Cardigan Coat: Similar here | Zella leggings: Nordstrom | Halogen White Tee: Nordstrom {so soft} | Sneaks: Similar {love these here} | Earrings: sold out, similar here {obsessed} | Bag: similar | Karen Walker Sunnies: Shopbop | Bracelets: Stella & Dot

I'd be the first one to call my own bluff to say I workout religiously. However, on most days-weeks its something I do enjoy. My favorite? Kickboxing. #cardioqueen

There is no greater feeling then taking up yesterdays worries out on a bag. However, the same routine can become repetitive overtime. To keep myself motivated, I reward myself by purchasing a fun new workout tank or another pair of black leggings...because we all know black is slimming ;)

Speaking of leggings...these are my absolute favorite. Their not only fun, but sit mid-level, making them extra comfortable! You can score them here. I may have worn these three times in one week...but hey!

I love a look that screams "I just rolled out of bed" but that also has a nice touch of girly. Sometimes a girl needs her favorite pair of sneaks to take on the day. This is definitely a look that works for those days.

I have to give a shoutout to the best program, trainers, and persons out there. I've been completing several sessions of the same workout program Next Level Extreme Fitness for years and I have nothing but love for that program. The trainers are so incredibly helpful, the people are so nice and uplifting, and the energy is always high. Is it possible to be so in love with a program? If not, I am.... #sorrynotsorry. I am so thankful I found a program that makes me love being in the gym.

What are you favorite workouts? I'm always up for new suggestions!

XOXO | Mandy Nicole 

Darlin' Details

Photos by: Tess Ware

Outfit details below

Stripe Sweater: Nordstrom {sold out} similar here, here | Red Vest: Similar here | Denim: BLANKNYC | Hunter Boots: Nordstrom {high gloss} | Tory Burch Tote: Tradsey | Karen Walker Sunnies: Shopbop | Classic Monogram Necklace: Love Always {3XL, 18 inch chain, gold dipped} 

Winter, winter go away....

Not going to lie {note to self, never start a post with....not going to lie} but in all seriousness I love these style shots by Tess {thanks girl}! What I adore equally... is the color red. 

For Christmas my sister-in-law asked for gift ideas and I came across this cute online boutique Le Boutique Shop. I found this oh so amazing red quilted vest and instantly added it to my gift list. 

This particular one sold out, but come on..what do you expect? #joking. I linked a similar one above because I'm a firm believer a vest can dress up any ole' look. 

I added my favorite winter accessories {Hunter Boots} and touches of gold accents. I'm going to be real honest when I say I'm absolutely smitten by this Love Always Classic Monogram Necklace here, but I had concerns with it arriving slightly tarnished towards the edges. I still highly recommend it as it photographs well and looks great with anything {casual or dressy}. 

Enjoy your Monday! 

XOXO | Mandy Nicole